Celebrating Our Community Schools Award Winners

We are proud to recognize this year’s Community Schools Award recipients—exceptional leaders and partners whose dedication, vision, and collaboration continue to strengthen students, families, and communities across the North State. Each award honors a unique form of leadership, and each recipient exemplifies the values at the heart of the community school model. 

Summit Award

Recipients: Mayra Calvillo & Natalia Lopez, Orland Unified School District

The Summit Award recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to community school implementation. This award honors those who, with care, collaboration, and persistence, chart the course to success and demonstrate what is possible when systems rise together.

Mayra and Natalia were recognized for their powerful partnership and system-level leadership on behalf of Orland Unified and the broader community. Their work includes authoring the CCSPP Implementation Grant, leading robust community engagement efforts, hosting listening campaigns and events, and elevating student, family, and staff voices through thoughtful outreach. As Latina leaders, they bring essential lived experience to their roles—ensuring culture, language, and heritage are not only acknowledged but celebrated. Their work reflects deep commitment to culturally responsive practice and inspires others across the region. Nuestra cultura es nuestra fortaleza—our culture is our strength.

North Star Award: Community School Champion

Recipient: Carrie Dawes

The North Star Award honors an individual whose dedication to the community school model is unwavering. Like the North Star, this leader lights the way—uniting communities, centering students, and advancing equity through whole-child support.

Carrie Dawes was selected for her visionary leadership in creating the Paradise Unified Health & Wellness Resource Center. Long before the Camp Fire, Carrie held a deeply rooted vision of a centralized, school-connected space where students, families, and the broader community could access health, wellness, and supportive services in one welcoming hub. In the aftermath of the fire, her vision became even more vital—and through collaboration and perseverance, it became a reality. Carrie’s leadership transformed collective healing into lasting, meaningful support, making her a true Community Schools Champion.

Deep Roots Award: Outstanding Community Partner

Recipient: Karen Pautz, First 5 Siskiyou

The Deep Roots Award honors an outstanding community partner whose unwavering support provides strength, stability, and nourishment to community schools—grounding the work in trust, innovation, and shared purpose.

Karen Pautz and the First 5 Siskiyou team were selected for their steadfast and transformative partnership with schools across Siskiyou County. From parenting classes and childcare to meals for meetings, yoga in the park, school dances, and deeply intentional engagement events, their support has strengthened families and school communities alike. They consistently show up for even the most remote schools, tailoring their efforts to each community’s unique needs. Always asking how they can help, not if, Karen’s leadership has made an immeasurable impact on community schools throughout the county.

Thank You to Our Award Winners! We are deeply grateful for the leadership, partnership, and heart each of these award recipients brings to this work. Their efforts remind us what is possible when vision, collaboration, and community come together in service of students and families.